Should You Be Worried About Blood in Your Urine?

Noticing a pink or red tinge when you go to the bathroom can be alarming. Blood in your urine isn’t always a cause for alarm, but it does warrant closer attention. Here’s what you should know.

Blood in your urine isn’t something to ignore. Even if you don’t have any pain, this symptom could be a sign of an underlying urinary condition.

To find out what’s going on in your body, see the experts at Pasadena Urological Medical Group, located in Pasadena, California. Our team of providers uses advanced diagnostic testing to pinpoint the cause of the bleeding and determine the most effective path forward.

Most causes are highly treatable, but prompt evaluation is still necessary to rule out more serious issues. Let’s take a closer look at what your urinary system might be trying to tell you.

Understanding why blood in your urine happens

There are two main types. One is when blood is visible in the urine, giving it a red, pink, or cola-colored appearance.

The other way is if your urine looks normal but testing shows trace amounts of blood.

Either type may occur on its own or alongside other symptoms like pain, urgency, and frequent urination.

What causes blood in your urine?

A variety of conditions can result in blood in your urine, ranging from mild irritation to potentially life-threatening illness. While only a medical evaluation can determine the specific cause, some possibilities include:

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) develop when bacteria enter through the urethra and spread to the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract. The inflammation can cause blood to leak into your urine.

Kidney or bladder stones

Minerals in your urine can crystallize and clump together, forming hard stones within your kidneys or bladder. As they move through the urinary tract, their rough edges can irritate nearby tissue and cause blood in your urine.

The bleeding typically resolves on its own after the stone passes.

Enlarged prostate

Over 50% of men in their 50s have an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostate gland grows, the blood vessels inside also expand and may become more prone to bleeding.

Injury or strenuous exercise

Trauma to your lower back or abdomen can damage blood vessels in your kidneys or bladder and trigger bleeding. High-impact exercise can also cause temporary blood in the urine, particularly if you’re dehydrated.

Cancer

Visible blood in your urine may be an early sign of bladder or kidney cancer. It can also indicate more advanced prostate cancer. While cancer is a less common cause, prompt medical attention is essential.

Uncovering the cause of blood in your urine

If you notice blood in your urine, don’t panic. Most conditions are manageable when caught early, and some cases may resolve on their own. However, only a professional evaluation can confirm the cause.

During your visit, we discuss your symptoms and collect a urine sample for lab analysis. Depending on the initial results, we may recommend additional testing, such as bloodwork, ultrasound imaging, or cystoscopy.

Ready to find out what’s behind your urinary symptoms? Schedule an appointment at Pasadena Urological Medical Group, online or by phone, to get the answers you need.